Kale Salads

If you’re at all on top of food trends, you know what a big deal kale has become over the last few years. And for good reason — it’s one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet. If you’re already a kale fan, step it up a notch by learning how to make delicious raw kale salads—sometimes referred to as massaged kale salads. By massaging this hardy green, you’ll see it soften, become brighter green, and feel it become more tender right in your (lightly oiled) hands. Most important, it will have a more pleasant mouth feel and flavor, making it a fantastic ingredient for a wide variety of salads, like our Southwestern Kale Salad, shown at top. more→

This vegan Kale caesar is an updated version of the classic American caesar salad. There’s not much to to the original recipe other than lettuce, bread croutons, and a (nonvegan ) caesar dressing, so a revamp is welcome. When I first made this with only kale, I found it to be a bit too overpowering. The combination of kale and romaine lettuce is perfect, allowing the other flavors to shine through. This recipe, easy though it is, also offers further shortcuts. more→

I find this simple raw kale and cabbage salad to be positively addictive, and my family seems to, as well! It goes with just about any kind of meal and is good year around. I prefer lacinato in this, but use what you’ve got! Photos by Evan Atlas. more→

Here’s a basic recipes for massaged kale salad, with lots of ways to vary it. You can toss in some slivered baby carrots, substitute another kind of nut, add a bit of thinly shredded red cabbage for extra color, or sliced celery or bok choy for extra crunch. Even in its simple form, as presented here, it’s luscious and festive, and just as welcome for everyday as well as holiday meals. Its colors make it especially nice for a vegan Thanksgiving or Christmas meal. Recipe adapted fromVegan Holiday Kitchen. Photos by Susan Voisin.more→

Kale, corn, avocado, and tomatoes add up to a seriously delicious salad. With the optional beans, it’s a fantastic main dish salad. Without the added beans, it’s a great companion to tortilla specialties containing beans—burritos, enchiladas, and the like. Recipe adapted from Wild About Greensby Nava Atlas. Photos by Rachael Braun. more→

Any time you put kale and quinoa together, it’s a winning duo. Not only are they both nutritional powerhouses, they taste and look fantastic together. Cook quinoa ahead of time, and this salad can be made in a snap. For an easy meal, serve with Sweet and Savory Sautéed Tofu, and corn on the cob or baked sweet potatoes. Photos by Hannah Kaminsky.